The historic Milwaukee Mile, located at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, will host the 16th race of the 17-race 2025 NTT <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/indycar/indycar-series/”>INDYCAR SERIES season. This event marks the 116th INDYCAR SERIES race held on the 1.015-mile short oval, a track that has proven highly favorable to Chevrolet-powered drivers since the twin-turbo 2.2L V6 engine was introduced, with Bowtie-backed teams winning all six races, including victories by Pato O’Ward and Scott McLaughlin during the 2024 doubleheader.
Chevrolet’s enduring legacy at the Milwaukee Mile dates back to 1962 when Don Davis became the first Chevrolet-powered driver to start there in the Rex Mays Classic. Over the following 63 years, Chevrolet-powered cars have made 236 starts across 48 races, proving a consistent presence and competitive edge.
Historical Milestones of Chevrolet’s Wins and Engine Innovations at Milwaukee
One of Chevrolet’s most memorable wins at the Milwaukee Mile occurred in 1981, when Mike Mosley drove an All-American Racers Eagle 8100 powered by a Chevy 355 cubic inch stock block engine to victory in the Rex Mays Classic. This win was significant as it marked Chevrolet’s first race win at Milwaukee with a stock block engine since Dan Gurney’s 1970 triumph in the same car make.
Despite facing challenges such as starting last due to an incomplete engine change, Mosley’s race was remarkable, moving up to tenth place after only seven laps and joining the lead pack by lap 22. He remarkably lapped the entire field after passing Tom Sneva with 45 laps remaining, showcasing the prowess of Chevrolet-powered machines on short ovals.
I was getting into the corners so much better than anyone else. It was amazing,
recalled Mosley to Indianapolis Star’s Robin Miller.
The only scare I had all day was when Bobby spun, and it was right in front of me.
But we got lucky for a change.
Despite the victory, Chevrolet faced ongoing challenges in fully developing the stock block engines due to funding constraints. Dan Gurney reflected,
We’ve had so many problems in the past that we’re getting gun shy,
and further explained to the Associated Press’ Mike Harris,
The stock block concept is just fine, but we haven’t had the dollars to run a proper testing program.
Insights from Chevrolet Drivers on Racing Strategy at the Milwaukee Mile
Chevrolet-powered teams and drivers emphasize the unique traits of the Milwaukee Mile that demand specific skill sets and strategies. David Malukas of A.J. Foyt Racing, who drives the No. 4 Chevrolet, highlights how the short practice sessions and low banking make qualifying especially challenging.
Honestly, the key to qualifying well at the Milwaukee Mile is just, just trying to go as deep and as late as possible. I mean, the practice sessions are short. You’re quickly going into qualifying. And from what I remember last year, it was, it was simply just trying to turn it up. It’s such short track times, such short amount of data to look at that you kind of just need to go out there and just go deep, let the car slide. The Milwaukee Mile is very special in the fact that it doesn’t really have banking compared to other ovals. So the car likes to slide a lot more. So you need to be comfortable with the uncomfortable and need to trust, trust the setup, trust the car, trust that the engineers have done a good job, and let that car slide. And that’s how you’ll be fast.
—David Malukas, No. 4 A.J. Foyt Racing Clarience Technologies Chevrolet
When asked about whether tire or fuel management is more critical at Milwaukee, Malukas stressed the importance of tire conservation.
I would say, for Milwaukee, it’s honestly managing tires. The car is sliding around all the time, so you actually start getting quite a bit of rear tire deg compared to what I’d say is on other ovals. So I from what I remember last year that race, it was, it was very tough to keep the tires alive, to keep the pace up and to keep moving forward in that race. So I would say managing tires would be, would be key.
—David Malukas, No. 4 A.J. Foyt Racing Clarience Technologies Chevrolet
Malukas also shared a lighter moment responding to a question from a seven-year-old about fears.
What am I most afraid of? Interesting question. Well, if you want it to be deep, I’m afraid of failure. If you want to just say, everyday life, I am very afraid of spiders. Those guys suck. I don’t like spiders. So yeah, there we go.
—David Malukas, No. 4 A.J. Foyt Racing Clarience Technologies Chevrolet
Santino Ferrucci, driving the No. 14 Phoenix Investors Chevrolet for A.J. Foyt Racing, also discussed track-specific setups and his ability to execute high-risk passes.
I think one of the big things about racing around Milwaukee would have been just understanding what we need to do for setups. And you know, I think that my experience actually in stock bars and dirt racing kind of really helped me understanding how to pass and set the car up.
—Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing Phoenix Investors Chevrolet
Ferrucci emphasized his versatility on the track when asked about passing tactics.
Last year, the car was good enough that I could just pass wherever. Didn’t matter if people were on top or on the bottom, I could get around them.
—Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing Phoenix Investors Chevrolet
Regarding track challenges, Ferrucci noted,
I definitely believe the most challenging bit is the end of stints when the tires go away drastically and you lose a lot of lap time. Just being able to hang on to a loose race car is difficult to do.
He shared his own fear in a response similar to Malukas’s.
Spiders. I just don’t do spiders!
—Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing Phoenix Investors Chevrolet
Perspectives from Arrow McLaren’s Chevrolet Drivers Ahead of the Race
Arrow McLaren Chevrolet drivers expressed optimism and determination for the Milwaukee Mile and the concluding races of the 2025 season. Pato O’Ward, No. 5, noted the team‘s focus on finishing the year strongly based on prior successes.
We’ve had a week to reset and we’re all-in for these last two races. We’re heading back to Milwaukee and Nashville where we had a win and a P2 last year, so I’ll be focused on bringing home more trophies and finishing the year strong.
—Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Nolan Siegel, driving the No. 6 Chevrolet, is eager to return to short oval racing after a difficult Iowa race where starting position limited his performance.
I’m looking forward to getting back on a short oval, especially after not getting the chance to race from that third-row starting position we earned at Iowa. We’ve shown strong pace, and I’m ready to put it all together at this historic track.
—Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Christian Lundgaard, No. 7, highlighted their recent consistent podium finishes and his confidence in their pace and execution at Milwaukee.
Coming off two P2’s the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team is really clicking, and I’m looking to keep pushing in the championship. Last year, we climbed from deep in the field to the top 10 here, so while starting up front is the goal, I know we have the pace and execution to fight for more trophies this weekend.
—Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Team Penske Chevrolet Drivers Reflect on Milwaukee Mile’s Significance
Team Penske’s Chevrolet drivers bring deep connections and motivation to the Milwaukee Mile race. Josef Newgarden, piloting the No. 2 Snap-On Chevrolet, discussed the symbolic importance of this race as it coincides with Snap-on’s 105th anniversary, linking a long-standing partnership to the goal of victory.
The Milwaukee Mile is an important venue in the history of the INDYCAR SERIES so to return there last year was an important moment. This year’s race will be even more special for everyone on the No. 2 team with Snap-on coming on board as the entitlement partner for the race. They are a long-time Team Penske partner – one of our longest, in fact – and they are celebrating their 105th anniversary this year. Representing them in a great-looking Snap-on paint scheme is going to be terrific. The goal is Victory Lane.
—Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Snap-On Team Penske Chevrolet
Scott McLaughlin, driving the No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Chevrolet, expressed appreciation for the fan support and highlighted last year’s win as motivation.
I didn’t know a lot about Milwaukee before coming to the INDYCAR SERIES, but I can tell why everyone was excited for us to go back there. The fans in that city are very passionate about our sport and they came out in a big way to support our return there last year. Short ovals always put on some of the best racing and our win last year was very gratifying for us. Putting the Sonsio Chevy in Victory Lane this weekend would be a great way to continue to end this season with some positive momentum.
—Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet
Will Power, No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, shared his personal milestones at Milwaukee, recalling his first oval win there in 2014 and noting the oval’s significance for the series amidst recent regional flooding.
Milwaukee will always be a special place for me as one of my first oval wins back in 2014. It was a dominant day for the Verizon Chevy team, winning the pole position and leading a lot of laps. That was a key race for our championship that season and something I’ll never forget. It’s a great oval in an important market for the series. I know there was some serious flooding in the area a couple weeks ago. Hopefully we can help them in their recovery process in some way.
—Will Power, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet
Chevrolet’s Historic Achievements at Milwaukee Mile
Chevrolet’s impressive track record at the Milwaukee Mile includes 11 race wins, 9 pole positions, and 32 podium finishes. The wins span decades and teams, showcasing the brand’s longstanding excellence in the IndyCar Series.
Race victories include those by Sebastien Bourdais in 2015 (KV Racing Technology), Will Power in 2014 (Team Penske), Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2013 and 2012 (Andretti Global), and earlier successes from legendary drivers like Michael Andretti, Al Unser Jr., and Rick Mears.
Chevrolet has also secured numerous pole positions, with key performances by Will Power, Josef Newgarden, Marco Andretti, and Rick Mears over the years. The brand’s drivers have consistently filled the podium spots, with Team Penske alone accounting for 13 Chevrolet podium finishes, followed by Andretti Global and Newman Haas Racing.
The cumulative impact is clear in laps led as well, with Chevrolet drivers leading 2,225 laps across races at Milwaukee. Michael Andretti tops the driver list with 229 laps led, followed by Scott McLaughlin (165), Al Unser Jr. (156), and others who have consistently showcased Chevrolet power on the short oval.
The Importance of Milwaukee Mile for Chevrolet and the IndyCar Series
The Milwaukee Mile remains one of the cornerstone ovals in the IndyCar Series, symbolizing both tradition and competition. Chevrolet’s deep-rooted success on this track reflects its commitment to motorsport innovation and performance. The upcoming race in 2025 represents not only a chance to extend Chevrolet’s dominance but also an opportunity to connect with passionate fans and contribute to the community, especially as the Milwaukee area recovers from recent flooding.
With strong driver lineups from Team Penske, Arrow McLaren, and A.J. Foyt Racing, all running Chevrolet engines, the stakes are high. Drivers and teams are poised to leverage past experience, strategic tire management, and aggressive driving to secure a strong finish as the IndyCar Series season nears its conclusion.
This race will likely influence final standings and momentum heading into the last series event, making it a pivotal moment for Chevrolet’s legacy and competitiveness in the 2025 season.